10 reasons dentists should be thankful for hygienists and assistants

'Tis the season to be thankful for many things—especially for hygienists and assistants.

An extra pair of eyes, notes Dr. Watts, is invaluable. Being able to double-check the doctor’s work is a helpful duty.

“They’re my accountability buddies,” Dr. Watts says. “Sometimes I look at so many mouths in a short period of time, sometimes my dental assistants will catch something that I’ve missed and they’ll bring it to my attention. They’re the people that support me and make sure I don’t miss anything, and validate everything that I’ve missed to the patient as important, because the patient isn’t going to ask me, at the end. They’re going to ask the staff. They’re going to ask the dental assistants for the hygienists. So, I’m super appreciative, because I’m a closer of treatment, but the patient will accept the treatment because my staff has a rapport with them.”